- Target:
- Concerned Mecklenburg County Residents
- Region:
- United States of America
Across the country, there are countless horror stories of local governments abusing their power of eminent domain.
Fortunately, there is also a growing trend of local and state governments exercising their good judgment and taking a formal position which defines when eminent domain is appropriate to use and when it isn’t for their citizens. This proactive approach demonstrates to concerned citizens that their elected officials truly do believe in property rights.
Some will argue that this power is bestowed on the county by the Federal government and the proposed ordinance is trying to override that authority. In reality, this is merely Mecklenburg County government stating that they will not use all of the power available to them. It is similar to you making a conscious decision to not charge your credit card to the very maximum just because you can.
If an extreme case arises that warrants condemnation of private property, the Board of County Commissioners can seek a variance of this ordinance. This merely provides citizens with an additional layer of protection.
***** NOTE - The vote will be on TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008 *****
I support Commissioner Bentley’s proposal to limit Mecklenburg County’s use of eminent domain. (Full text below.)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Mecklenburg County shall not use it power of eminent domain to take private property for the use of public greenways, bikeways, pathways or walking trails without the consent of the owner.
In Mecklenburg County, the acquisition of land through the use of eminent domain is appropriate in the following cases, (1) the transfer of land to public ownership, such as for a road, hospital or military base; (2) the transfer of land to a private entity that is a common carrier, such as a railroad, utility, or tollroad; or (3) the transfer of property to a private entity when eminent domain will remove a harmful use of the land, such as the removal of public nuisances, removal of structures that are beyond repair or that are unfit for human habitation or use, or acquisition of abandoned property.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Limit Use of Eminent Domain in Mecklenburg County petition to Concerned Mecklenburg County Residents was written by Pam Hester and is in the category Government at GoPetition.